Which Gibson is this and from what year?

[Barad]

Hi, does anybody recognize this guitar? I've just spent hours looking at photos online and can't seem to find anything like it.

 

We know it's at least 50 years old, but that's all we know about it.

 

Is it a common find or valuable beyond sentimental reasons? Thanks in advance!

 

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/113347592505659430043/Gibson#5471725432413964306

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/113347592505659430043/Gibson#5471725439323740546

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/113347592505659430043/Gibson#5471725441877448914

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/113347592505659430043/Gibson#5471725447074341922

[pohatu771]

That would be an ES-120. No way to tell the year without a serial number.

[Barad]

That would be an ES-120. No way to tell the year without a serial number.

 

 

On the back of the neck the # 50582 is etched into the wood.

[Barad]

Ah yes, thank you very much. I found the picture and a description here: http://home.provide.net/~cfh/gibson4.html

 

Also, on the basis of that site's serial number listings, this is a 1962 model. Here's the description according to that source:

Gibson ES-120T Thinline Fully Hollow Electric Archtop.

Available: 1962 to 1971

Collectibility Rating: D- (Gibson's most basic and least expensive student model electric thinline archtop. Even cheaper than an ES-125t). The Gibson ES-120t was an inexpensive guitar for Gibson to produce because the pickguard assembly, which holds all the guitar's electronics, can be made off the guitar. It is then "dropped in" to the body as the last assembly step. The front of the guitar is routed like a small swimming pool to accomodate the pickguard and pickups/electronics. This is why the guitar only has one "f" hole. A common problem with this model is the overly thick pickguard can crack, since the output jack is part of the pickguard, adding lots of pressure to the pickguard upon jack insertion/removal.

 

1962 Gibson ES-120T specs:

16.25" wide, 1 "f" hole, Melody Maker style pickup mounted on the pickguard, knobs and jack also mounted on the pickguard, single bound top and back, dot fingerboard inlays, decal peghead logo, sunburst finish.

 

 

There's a very nice one for sale on Ebay for $1500. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330355142647&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=M*F%3F&GUID=1e56f2eb1280a0aad427a767ff0f3038&itemid=330355142647&ff4=263602_263622

[pfox14]

The Gibson catalog for 1962 does not show this particular guitar. This Model does show up in the 1963 catalog as the ES-120T with the "wrap around" Ted McCarty-style pickguard - 'T' for thin-line. Hope that helps.